The incident occurred about 15 minutes before the end of the race, where Mason attempted a pass on the inside of a left-hand bend, causing Vanthourenhout to lose his balance and fall.
Riders collide during race
Mason, riding for 777, was attempting to move up the field when he cut inside Vanthourenhout, who was riding for Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw. According to multiple sources, Vanthourenhout saw Mason coming but was unable to prevent the contact. The move, while legal, caused Vanthourenhout to crash, dropping him to sixth or seventh place. Vanthourenhout knuckled down and fought his way back to finish second, but the frustration from the incident boiled over after the race.
Immediately after crossing the line, Vanthourenhout approached Mason, who finished fourth. The Belgian rider reportedly shook his head, gave Mason a light tap on the shoulder, and shouted obscenities, including “f*ck you,” as recorded by on-site cameras. Mason responded with visible offense, firing back with his own unheard remarks before the two separated. The race organizers later fined Vanthourenhout for his confrontational behavior post-race. According to the commentatoren of Play Sports, Vanthourenhout received the fine specifically for the confrontation after the race, not for the in-race incident.
Championships set for rematch
The Middelkerke race was part of the Superprestige series, a highly competitive cyclocross circuit. Joran Wyseure won the event, with Vanthourenhout taking second and Mason fourth.
Vanthourenhout and Mason are scheduled to face each other again at the European Cyclocross Championships in Zeddam on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
